Online air charter portal Victor announced its expansion into the U.S. on Thursday, thanks to a new $8 million mezzanine funding round that enables a push beyond the European private jet charter market it has been serving since 2011. In addition, the company launched an iOS app that offers real-time charter pricing; aircraft and crew specifics; side-by-side available jet comparisons; instant booking; travel itineraries; and trip management.

"The U.S. is the largest region for private aviation, accounting for 49.7 percent of the global market, with Europe providing a 20.8-percent share," said Victor CEO Clive Jackson. "Expanding our operations to the U.S. ensures we have a presence in the most dominant market, better serving our customers in the region. We are the fastest growing European jet charter service today and are projected to grow 300 percent through our global initiatives like our U.S. expansion."

Victor claims access to 7,000 jets worldwide and 40,000 airports internationally through its partnerships with charter operators. Customers are able to view the provider, airplane and operator of each booking before making a payment, the company said, adding that there are no upfront costs or membership fees required to book flights.